Advice/help re cat that won't come in!

[calismum]

Ok guys - need your collective help. My friend has an 11 year old female cat that went out on Sunday night and won't come back in!

She has lived in the same house all her life, she goes out now and then but usually just hangs around the house and garden.

No change of routine, additions to household, stress related things, or any other obvious changes in her environment.

She was sitting in the driveway last night but when my friend called her in she turned tail and ran off.

She has tried leaving the back door open, has put her blanket out on the porch, left some food just in the back door but cat just nor coming in.

Does anyone have any other ideas, advice etc.

Thanks

[dandysmom]

That's a real puzzler. Only thing I can think of is that something happened in the house unbeknownst to the owners that scared her so very much that she'll not come in.

[calismum]

Originally Posted by dandysmom

That's a real puzzler. Only thing I can think of is that something happened in the house unbeknownst to the owners that scared her so very much that she'll not come in.

Yeah, that's what I wondered but her hubbie works from home and he says not!.

Am off to visit just now so just thought i'd see if anyone had any ideas before I went there.

Thanks DM

[Elaine]

Is there another cat hanging about? Perhaps a strange cat or a bully cat? Could some one else have been leaving food out that she has found? If not, then I would have thought that she would come in once hungry enough.

[angieh]

Try luring her with some catnip if she's susceptible. Does sound as if something has scared her.

[calismum]

Originally Posted by Elaine

Is there another cat hanging about? Perhaps a strange cat or a bully cat? Could some one else have been leaving food out that she has found? If not, then I would have thought that she would come in once hungry enough.

Don't know but will ask - off now to try and give friend some moral support - Thanks Elaine

[calismum]

Originally Posted by angieh

Try luring her with some catnip if she's susceptible. Does sound as if something has scared her.

Good idea - never thought of that - will update later.

[Donna]

Mine always come running when I shake the biscuit (cat kibbles) jar...

[calismum]

Still not home and not been seen again since Monday evening.

Gave all your thoughts and tips so we are still hopeful she'll decide she's had enough and appear at the door/window.

[cats' staff]

Cleo occasionally pulls this sort of stunt and often at this time of year when it warms up. She doesn't go out for months then suddenly decides to go outside and it is a real job to get her in- she comes close but any attempt to grab her and she runs away. She does come in at night eventually but sometimes not till the early hours! I've no ideas for your friend other than enticing smells which sometimes work with madam.

Like your friend- we can never find a reason for the sudden change in behaviour other than the fact that she often does it on a nice warm day- almost as if she forgets how much fun she has outside until it warms up and having rediscovered it she wants to stay out therer.
Mind you, to be perfectly honest, Cleo is a lovely cat but has always been a bit fey!